If I had to choose one word to describe Mad City Windows, it would be “expensive.” Despite the high price tag, these are high quality windows that come with a high quality guarantee.
Mad City Windows is a regional remodeling brand under the broader Renuity banner, providing window replacement, bathroom remodeling, and kitchen cabinet resurfacing services to the Midwest region. Here’s what you need to know to decide if Mad City Windows is right for your window replacement project.
About Mad City Windows
Mad City Windows & Baths opened in 1998, providing remodeling services to customers in Wisconsin and Illinois. Currently serving more than 40 major cities in the Midwest, Mad City Windows specializes in window replacement, bathroom remodeling, and cabinet resurfacing. We offer free estimates and support from start to finish of your project.
What we like about Mad City Windows
Schedule a consultation with Mad City Windows and Baths
There are a few main things I like about Mad City Windows. As an example, its windows are manufactured in-house using triple glazing, extremely strong welded frames, and insulated sashes/frames.
The warranty is also very strong, offering a lifetime warranty on all parts and installation, and is fully transferable to a new homeowner if sold (including broken glass, screen repairs, and broken seals). Most installations can be completed in 1-2 days.
Experience getting a quote for Mad City Windows
There is no substitute for first-hand experience. That’s why we decided to get quotes directly from the source for our Mad City Windows review. Here are our takeaways.
- Be prepared for someone to ask you to enter your home or business. – In our experience, Mad City Windows representatives will require you to come into your home and measure your windows and measure their pitch indoors.
- Expect the quote/proposal to take approximately 1.5 hours – This includes measuring the window (10 in our case), sales pitch, and quoting the actual price in real time.
- Forecast multiple quotes designed to help you make instant purchasing decisions – Mad City Windows, like many window companies, uses an on-site sales model. This pitch is designed to drive an immediate purchasing decision, so be prepared for multiple quotes and “one-day only” discounts that expire once the rep leaves the company. For the record, the Mad City representative was courteous and not overly pushy. we appreciated it.
- The quote process is easy – Mad City Windows makes everything so much easier. Filling out the online interest form was easy and scheduling a consultation was uncomplicated.
- there will be a pitch – Get detailed information about the window manufacturing process, installation, Mad City Windows reputation/history, and even get a heat lamp demonstration showing how Mad City Windows can reduce heat transfer.
Mad City Windows Cost
Mad City Windows is at the higher end of the window cost spectrum in the industry. I received quotes from 3 companies to replace 10 windows. The estimated annual price for Mad City Windows (fixed price without monthly promotional discounts) was $32,147, more than $10,000 more than the next highest estimated annual price for this project ($21,734 by West Shore Homes).
Ultimately, the cost of your Mad City Windows replacement window project will vary greatly depending on the size and scope of your project and whether you have unique window styles or windows on the upper floors of your home (2)n.d. floor or above), costs will be added.
How the Mad City Windows Replacement Process Works
If you’re interested in using Mad City Windows as a replacement, here’s what the process looks like.
- Fill out your basic information online or over the phone. Enter your postal code, name, email address, phone number, etc.
- Receive a confirmation call/text message: Once you submit your basic information, Mad City will send you a confirmation text (and call you) with a link to a more detailed survey.
- Please give us some details about the project. Clicking on the link will take you to an online form that asks for details about your project (number of windows, number of floors in the house being replaced, reason for replacement).
- Schedule your consultation. Next, select the day and time of your consultation. When we went through the process, reservation slots were available on the same day, which is one of the perks that Mad City advertises.
- Representative visit: A Mad City Windows sales representative will come to measure your windows and pitch you about the company.
- Installation date: Old windows will be removed and new windows installed on the same day.
Advantages and disadvantages of Mad City Windows
Strong Points:
- Prompt on-site consultation possible (next day in our case)
- Free quote
- Robust Labor Warranty (lifetime, both windows and labor are transferable to new homeowner)
- 6:00 PM appointment time (for those working a traditional 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM schedule)
- Highest level window quality and energy rating
- Fast installation (1 day installation is often recommended)
- In-house, factory-trained installers (as opposed to outsourcing the installation process)rd-party)
- We guarantee that the quoted price will not change (includes remediation of mold, rotten wood, lead paint, etc.)
Cons:
- Minimum order of 2 windows
- Some reviewers mention multiple cancellations, rescheduling, and aggressive sales methods.
- Serving only the Greater Midwest region
- Expensive (over $10,000 more than other quotes)
Mad City Window Customization Options
At Mad City, we offer many different types of vinyl windows, including:
You also have the option to customize the hardware and interior trim color. The following options are detailed on the Mad City site.
- Hardware color options: Linen white, tan, antique brass, polished brass, satin nickel
- Interior trim color options: Linen white, tan, clay, light oak, pecan, cherry
However, these advertised colors are not all of the options available. When the Mad City reps estimated our project, they provided us with dozens of color options for the exterior aluminum trim, making it easy to match the windows to our siding/exterior aesthetic.
Mad City Windows quality and energy efficiency
Mad City Windows manufactures its windows in-house using something called the Eco Sky Window System. When I received a quote from a Mad City representative, I had the opportunity to look at the windows up close. The windows look well-made and boast top-of-the-line features like triple glazing, welded frame corners, and insulated frames/sashes, and are advertised as ENERGY STAR’s “Most Efficient” certification (ENERGY STAR’s highest rating), blocking 99.5% of harmful UV rays.
Who installs Mad City Windows?
All Mad City Windows are installed by in-house employees who have completed the Mad City Windows training program.
Mad City Windows Discounts and Financing Options
As of this article’s publication, Mad City Windows is advertising a 70% discount on lab or cost and an 18-month interest-free, no-payment deferred financing option (subject to creditworthiness and brokered through a third-party financing company). Financing is self-explanatory. However, the advertised online discounts feel like a sales pitch to get you to fill out an interest form. All actual discounts will be given by on-site personnel. They have several quotes to provide you. A fixed (and high) 1-year price and a heavily discounted monthly promotional price. In addition, representatives will offer discounts for the day only (to encourage same-day purchases).
When I spoke with Manny Kavouklis, president of Tampa-based CMK Construction, he cautioned against “catch-all” estimates.
Mad City Windows Customer Reviews
Reviews of Mad City Windows are mixed. Mad City’s site, which captures and combines Google reviews for every location in the Midwest, claims a 4.9 out of 5 star rating. But when you click on each location, the average star rating is 4.1 stars or higher. This is still a great rating.
Mad City Windows also has a solid overall rating on Angi, but with multiple listings (even for the same location), it’s difficult to determine which ones are actually being reviewed (local branches or entire businesses). I also looked further into Reddit, Yelp, and similar sites and came across a significant number of dissatisfied reviewers, citing high costs and aggressive sales methods. To best understand what kind of service you’ll receive, we recommend visiting our Mad City Windows review page to see the star rating for your local store. We also recommend asking around to see if anyone in your area has used Mad City Windows and what their experience was.
Availability of Mad City Windows, is it available nationwide?
Mad City Windows has 29 locations throughout the Midwest, serving more than 40 cities and growing. Despite its rapid expansion, Mad City Windows is not available nationwide. If you’re within our service area, you can conveniently schedule a quote over the phone or using our online form.
Mad City Window and Bathroom Alternatives
Since Mad City Windows & Baths is primarily limited to the Midwest region, you may need to consult another window replacement company, such as Renewal by Andersen or Champion Windows.
USA TODAY’s review of Mad City Windows
The USA TODAY team uses an in-house methodology to review and rank all of America’s top window replacement companies. Factors such as price, products, installation, customer service, and energy efficiency are all considered to create a list of top window replacement companies.
Bottom line: Is Mad City Windows & Bath right for you?
If high-quality Windows, fast installation, and a robust, transferable warranty are your top priorities, Mad City Windows is for you. Please note that you will be paying a premium for such items. If you’re on a tight budget, another company may be a better fit.
FAQ
Does Mad City have a good reputation?
Mad City Windows is a legitimate business with hundreds of positive reviews on Google and other sites like Angi. However, Mad City Windows reviewers (those who have requested work or quotes from Mad City Windows) on other social sites such as Reddit and Facebook cite aggressive sales practices and high costs as reasons to avoid Mad City Windows.
Who bought Mad City Windows?
In March 2020, Mad City Windows was acquired by FHIA Holdings. FHIA Holdings was backed by affiliates of York Capital Management, a multibillion-dollar global investment firm headquartered in New York City. Since 2020, Mad City Windows and FHIA Holdings have been integrated into a larger parent company, Renuity, while maintaining their own brand names.
What is Mad City Window made of?
Mad City Windows are triple-ply vinyl windows that use our in-house Sky Mirror technology system, which is touted to dramatically improve insulation and block 99.5% of harmful UV rays.
How long has Mad City been open?
Mad City Windows opened in 1998 and has been serving customers throughout the Midwest for over 25 years.
